Welcoming Majestic Cinemas

The owners of C-Square are excited to welcome Majestic Cinemas to the Civic Centre, and usher in the beginnings of a new era of entertainment for C-Square and the community.

The background

For many years, the Nambour Alliance has been advocating for a multi-screen cinema for Nambour, and it has become one of the objectives of the Nambour Activation Plan, developed by the Council, the Nambour Alliance, and many other local movers and shakers. The Activation Plan was only endorsed by the Council in July, so it is exciting to see Majestic Cinemas bringing some of that plan to life so soon!

Over the last 13 years, Majestic Cinemas have opened up six other cinemas in regional areas across NSW. In each location, they have helped to bring new life to existing facilities, increasing the choice and frequency of screenings, and making the cinemas available for use by the community for corporate and community events, special interest groups, fundraising opportunities, school and vacation care groups, and film festivals.

What’s the benefit to Nambour?

A survey of C-Square customers and tenants back in February showed a strong desire to attract more people to C-Square – to have something happening, and somewhere to go for a drink or bite to eat. We hope that with Majestic’s presence, the increased number of people passing through C-Square will help to create opportunities for cafés and restaurants, and increased business for retailers and service providers. Potentially, up to 100,000 more people each year could be coming through C-Square!

While there are several other cinemas on the Sunshine Coast, analysis by Majestic and the Council suggest that the Sunshine Coast is, in fact, under-serviced for cinema access. Nambour’s excellent transport infrastructure, and proximity to the hinterland and Sunshine Coast University, make it an ideal location for increased services. And C-Square’s proximity to the train and bus stations make it an ideal location in Nambour!

A time of change

Majestic’s arrival at the Civic Centre will create change. Currently, the Arthouse Cinema screens an average of four sessions a week. From November, Majestic plan to screen up to seventy sessions a week. But when Majestic are fully operational, they plan to screen around 200 sessions a week. To bring this about, there will be a major internal redevelopment of the Civic Centre, by Majestic Cinemas and the owners of C-Square.

This redevelopment will put in place a total of five cinemas of varying sizes (seating between 50 and 350 people), over the next 12-18 months. A theatre able to be used for live performance, as well as movies, will still be available as part of the complex. Redevelopment activities will be carried out in stages, to keep disruption to a minimum. And pathways to and from the cinema will be worked on to ensure safe and easy access for patrons.

Some things will stay the same

Community groups will still be able to book the different theatres – for both movies and live performances or functions – through the Majestic office, for a similar cost as now. Current bookings will be honoured through to the end of February 2016. Majestic staff will work with booking holders beyond this date to determine if the bookings can still go ahead, given redevelopment activities at those times. Once the redevelopment is complete, there will be a wider range of options for both live shows and community functions.

Majestic Cinemas are keen to invite you all to join their movie club! Current members of the Arthouse Film Club can directly transfer their membership. For those who might not wish to, a pro rata refund will be provided by Sunshine Coast Council. Majestic Cinemas are also looking into licensing options, with the hope that you will be able to enjoy a glass of wine with that special movie-going event!

Both Majestic and the owners of C-Square are making significant financial contributions for the long term, developing an entertainment hub for Nambour and the Sunshine Coast region. They hope that the increased entertainment options will bring lots of folks out of their lounge rooms to enjoy a night out in their town!